The Neurology team at Clínica Elgeadi is at the forefront of innovative treatments, using the most advanced technology in surgical techniques. In our center we address different pathologies, offering the latest treatments available to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. In this article, we will delve into one of the diseases we treat in our clinic: hydrocephalus.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus, whose name comes from the Greek terms “hydro” (water) and “cephalus” (head), It is a pathology characterized by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain..
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Talk to a specialistThis cerebrospinal fluid, which normally circulates around the brain and spinal cord, performs vital functions such as protecting the brain, removing waste and transporting nutrients. When this fluid accumulates excessively, it produces high intracranial pressure that can impair the patient's brain and neurological functions.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus
The symptoms that a patient with hydrocephalus presents depend mainly on the age and the severity or progression of the disease. Below, we will describe how these symptoms manifest at different stages of life.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus in babies
In babies under one year of age, the symptoms of hydrocephalus are usually obvious. One of the most characteristic symptoms is usually presence of bulging fontanelles (soft areas in the skull) because the bones of the skull have not yet closed completely. Another characteristic symptom at this age is usually a enlarged headIn addition, babies with hydrocephalus may show other symptoms such as excessive tiredness, frequent vomiting, staring downward (known as “sunset eyes”) and lack of appetite.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus in children and adults
When the bones of the skull are closed, the cerebrospinal fluid pressure It is larger, because there is no “free” space for the brain to expand and decompress as is the case in babies.
This is why in cases of children over one year old and adults we can observe other symptoms such as intense headaches, vomiting, seizures, double and/or cloudy vision, motor coordination and balance problems, drowsiness or lethargy, rolling eyes. sun exposure and loss of bladder control or need to urinate frequently.
Untreated hydrocephalus can cause permanent damage to neurological functions.. Therefore, it is crucial that if this pathology is suspected, immediate medical attention is sought. An early diagnosis not only helps prevent serious complications, but can also make a difference in the patient's recovery.
Causes and risk factors of hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between the production of cerebrospinal fluid and the ability to absorb it into the bloodstream. This imbalance can be caused by any of the following reasons:
- Cerebrospinal fluid flow obstruction: It is one of the most common causes and occurs when fluid cannot flow freely between the ventricles of the brain or to other areas, causing it to build up.
- Poor absorption of cerebrospinal fluid: Sometimes blood vessels do not absorb fluid properly due to inflammation in brain tissue, injuries or pre-existing diseases.
- Excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid: Although it is rare, in some cases an excess of fluid is produced that exceeds the capacity of the bloodstream to absorb it.
H3. Risk factors for patients with hydrocephalus
When we talk about congenital hydrocephalus We cannot specify factors that collaborate in its development. However, if we talk about acquired hydrocephalus, we can specify certain elements that can contribute to its manifestation.
In the case of babies under one year of age, who are most affected by this condition, the main risk factors include complications during birth that can cause bleeding within the brain ventricles or infections that the fetus may have suffered during pregnancy, such as rubella or syphilis, which can lead to inflammation in the brain tissues, which increases the likelihood of developing this pathology.
In older children and adults, hydrocephalus may be related to the presence of brain or spinal tumors, central nervous system infections such as mumps or meningitis, and traumatic head injuries resulting in stroke.
Diagnosis and treatments for hydrocephalus
To diagnose hydrocephalus, you should go to a specialist doctor who will perform state-of-the-art imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasonographyIn some cases, if deemed necessary, cerebrospinal fluid pressure tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnostic method will depend on the patient's age and medical history, allowing each specialist to adapt their approach to the needs of the case.
Surgical treatment for hydrocephalus
Today there are two types of surgical interventions to treat hydrocephalus:
- Bypass surgery: consists of the placement of a type of tube that connects the cerebral ventricles with the peritoneal ventricles and is responsible for absorbing excess cerebrospinal fluid.
- Endoscopic ventriculostomy of the third ventricle: A very small perforation is made in the ventricle to encourage the absorption of cerebrospinal fluid into the bloodstream.
When is hydrocephalus operated on?
Surgery to treat hydrocephalus is considered when a patient's symptoms become severe or when there is a significant risk of neurological damage. The decision to operate will be based on the severity of the condition, the pressure of the fluid, and the patient's response to conservative treatments.
What happens if hydrocephalus is not treated
Treatment of hydrocephalus is essential, as the condition has a mortality rate of between 50 and 60% if not treated appropriately. In addition, lack of treatment can lead to serious neurological, motor and cognitive sequelae that can worsen the patient's quality of life if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention and begin treatment as soon as possible.
How long does a person with hydrocephalus live?
The How long a person with hydrocephalus can live depends largely on medical care, diagnosis and early treatment of the disease.For all these reasons, it is very important to seek advice from a team of professional doctors who have the necessary experience to give the patient the best options.
If you have further questions about this condition, do not hesitate to contact our neurology team or Request your appointment online for a personalized consultation.
38 thoughts on “Hidrocefalia en bebés y adultos: síntomas, pruebas de diagnóstico y tratamientos”
Very good explanation. I wanted to know about this topic. I like these topics.
Good morning Yamil,
Thank you very much for your comment. We will continue creating relevant content for you!
All the best.
One of the best interpretations I have found on the internet
Thank you very much for your comment Helga!
My son underwent surgery to "decompress the cerebellum" Chiari syndrome, and during his post-surgical recovery, he developed hydrocephalus. He underwent emergency surgery (derivative valve)
Could it have been avoided?
Good morning Veronica,
Thanks for your comment.
We regret to inform you that since we do not know the case in depth, we cannot answer your question.
All the best.
I have hydrocephalus! They want to operate on me and put in a valve, what are the causes after the operation? Thank you
Hello Mirta,
Ideally, your neurosurgeon should discuss them with you since it depends on each case and the causes of the pathology.
A hug.
How long can an adult live with hydrocephalus who cannot be operated on due to the risk.
Hi Margie or Hello Margarite,
It will depend on the severity of your symptoms, causes, etc.
A hug.
Hello, I have suffered many headaches when I am sleeping I feel as if I have water in my brain and it hurts my hands and legs to fall asleep and I cannot
I can't concentrate, what do you think is wrong with me?
Hello Blady,
It is difficult with these symptoms to have a diagnosis without doing a good clinical examination and reviewing all the radiological tests, but as origins, you could have cervical spine, a cervical hernia, posterior facet arthrosis, intracranial tumors. It is best to visit a specialist.
A hug.
My baby is 3 months old and has been diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus. He hasn't had surgery yet, next week they are going to schedule the appointment. But I am 1000% sure that his condition was acquired and he was not born with it. Well, at 36 weeks of pregnancy I had premature rupture of the membrane and loss of fluid for almost eleven hours because they did not perform a cesarean section. When my baby was born, he was hospitalized for 36 days due to neonatal sepsis. And when he was 2 months old, the symptoms began and his little head began to grow. He already has a head circumference of 50cm and is not treated as an emergency because he has not had seizures.
Hello Giannelyz,
We regret the situation, but for this type of pathology it is necessary that the doctor advise you and explain carefully all the possible causes of hydrocephalus since it is a delicate issue.
A hug and good luck.
I have an 8 mm pineal cyst, they told me it's not serious...I don't pay attention to it so...what do you recommend?
Hello Mara, we don't know who gave you that diagnosis but if you have doubts it is always best to ask for a second and third opinion. All the best.
I have been diagnosed with incipient hydrocephalus. I'm 50 years old, although I'm not young, isn't it too early to have something like that? How does it shorten life? I'm waiting for a visit with the neurosurgeon, but while they're calling me, what can I do so it doesn't get worse? Thank you
Hello Paula, in this case without more information I am afraid that the most prudent thing is to wait for the surgeon to examine you.
Thank you!
Hello, I really liked your explanation, a question.
Is it possible that after a successful operation in a child under 8 years old due to the change of a valve, the patient's health could be complicated, causing death?
And what other organs does hydrocephalus affect?
Hello Yareth, thanks for the comment. Regarding your question, this is very difficult to answer without carrying out a complete study of the patient.
What can I do? My one and a half year old child suffers from this disease. The neurologist told me that I have to be patient but my child is very sick, he cries and cries, what do you recommend?
Hello Janet, we should study the evidence carefully to be able to tell you, but we always recommend in these cases to ask for the opinion of more than one doctor. A hug.
Hello, my wife had an MRI which detected hydrocephalus and a drainage must be performed. How can I know the cost of this intervention. Greetings Jorge.
Hi Luis, How are you? Please write to us privately to find out about any rate issues.
A hug.
I have nonmontensive hydrocephalus and I am 44 years old, what do I have to do?
Hello Francisco,
You have to go to a specialist neurologist. This will evaluate your case and determine what surgical treatment to apply in your case.
Come to our clinic so we can give you the personalized attention you need and follow up on your case. Make an appointment by calling 910 053 900
Greetings
My son was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a tumor in the cerebellum of about 3cm and he underwent emergency surgery. My question is what are the normal postoperative symptoms since he will begin rehabilitation of hand and foot movements and speaking and he is 19 years old. What is the outlook for recovery? has
Hello Zuzana,
If you have been treated correctly you can expect a complete recovery. It is important to carry out rehabilitation to the letter and be attentive to any symptoms to monitor.
Greetings.
Hello...they detected hydrocephalus when I was 46 years old and they don't want to operate on me because the neurosurgeons say that I have had it since I was little, the issue is that I feel many symptoms...dizziness, incontinence, headaches and I forget things...what do you think?
Hello Nadia,
Your case would need to be reviewed in detail to give you an informed recommendation.
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Hello doctor. My 30-year-old son had a cyst with a nodule in the cerebellum removed without any complications and a complete resection through a craniotomy in the back of the neck. 3 weeks ago and he is progressing very well. I wanted to know if after he recovers he can live. normal. thank you very much doctor
Hello Hector,
In principle yes. Although we should know the case in more depth to tell you something.
Greetings
Hi there
I would like to know what diagnosis I have because when I am lying down and I get up I feel like I have cold water running through my brain and a few years ago I have had a very strong pain like in my spine that throbs and takes away my strength and after two minutes it goes away.
Hello Yessica,
We need to complete your clinical information in order to give you an answer.
You can make an appointment at +34 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
How much does the required operation cost? I have an acquaintance with limited resources who has a teenage son with this disease. I look forward to your comments.
Thank you
Hello Sergio,
The price varies depending on the location, the professional and the center where it is performed.
There are also high-quality, free treatments available through public health.
Greetings
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